Jim was honored with the Jack Erler Award at the 2025 Maine Summer Camps Winter Workshop, held on January 29th at the DoubleTree Hotel in South Portland. The event brought together camp professionals and business members for a day of networking and learning, making it the perfect occasion to celebrate Jim's achievements and contributions to the camp community.
During the award presentation, it was highlighted that "when camp directors describe the 2025 award recipient, they use words that exemplify vital qualities in a camp leader. Knowledgeable. Compassionate. Empathetic. Generous." These qualities are a testament to Jim's ability to support camps and serve as a "trusted counselor and advisor." One camp administrator noted, "He’s not just listening to you. He’s hearing you."
Jim's role as a strategic partner was also emphasized, with a colleague and client stating that he seeks to "create the best health and safety practices to protect kids, staff, and community." Another camp director mentioned, "He is the one who you trust to help you and to be there and steer you in the right direction."
The longevity of Chalmers was praised, with camp directors noting that "they have been assisting camps with regard to insurance policies questions and general liability for as long as I can remember." This deep understanding of camp operations allows Jim to be highly attuned to the challenges camp directors face. One camp professional remarked, "For someone who doesn’t run a camp, he has a ton of insight into what it takes."
Jim's empathy and reassuring calmness were highlighted as key attributes, especially during critical situations. A camp owner shared, "It’s really good to be able to reach someone who has that level of experience and knowledge." Another owner/director added, "When his camp faces a dire situation, my first call is to him."
Jim's extraordinary generosity of time and experience was also acknowledged. Chalmers has sponsored a broad range of MSC events, including educational workshops, webinars, and the Maine social gathering at the ACA, New England annual conference. These contributions have made "the camping industry a better industry – more safe and more effective for kids," according to one camp director.
For all these extraordinary qualities and his outstanding service in support of organized youth camping in Maine, Maine Summer Camps presents the 2025 Jack Erler award to Chalmers Insurance Group Chief Sales Officer, Jim Chalmers.
Congratulations to Jim Chalmers on this well-deserved recognition!
From left to right: Danny Lassiter, Jeff Woodbury, Dottie Chalmers Cutter (4th Generation Owner), Jim Chalmers (4th Generation Owner), Lisa Cote, Carissa Chipman, Steve Cote (President), Paula Kirkland.
From left to right: Dottie Chalmers Cutter (4th Generation Owner), Jim Chalmers (4th Generation Owner), Steve Cote (President).
The Jack Erler Award is given for outstanding contributions to organized camping, as exemplified by Jack Erler’s long-time contributions to Maine Summer Camps. Jack Erler’s commitment to Maine youth camping has extended throughout his 50-year career as an attorney, collaborator, and advocate. The award represents Maine Summer Camps’ heartfelt respect, admiration, and appreciation for Jack Erler’s talent, humility, commitment, and invaluable contributions to Maine’s youth camping industry.
